Tag Archives: UK

(record review) The Toy Dolls-Episode XIII

2019 - Episode XIII

The Toy Dolls are celebrating their 40th birthday. The UK longstanding trio are taking a massive tour to celebrate the birthday, but also to promote their brand new record. Yes, Episode XIII contains intro plus 14 songs of funny punk mayhem like we got used to from these legends throughout the years. I saw them live for the first time two years ago and remained jaw dropped by their fantastic show and this songs just prove how tight and musically talented this band is. The songs are melodic, energetic and anthemic just made for humming and singing the whole day long. Olga sounds better than ever, Tommy on bass too while Duncan Redmonds is definitely one of the best drummers in the punk scene right now. Some of the songs that I somehow liked the most on this record are Knickers Off In Mykonos, Christine`s Clothes and Until Next Time. This record is in the rank of their best releases in the four decade existence in the scene. Happy birthday Toy Dolls and here is to at least fourty more!

Laughing In The Face Of release new single ‘Running With Coffee’

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Skate-punk veterans Laughing In The Face Of excel in tight melodic hardcore, riddled with hooks, riffs and head-banging breaks. This is fun, fast punk with rock and metal influences, played by four broke dudes who just love doing it for the hell of it.

‘Running With Coffee’ is the band’s first video single since 2011. It’s an anxious, sarcastic and fun shredder of a tune, showcasing some of LITFO’s adrenaline-drenched race to rush through life.

Formed in the summer of 2009, Laughing The Face of have undergone a number of line-up changes but have stuck with Lockjaw Records since their debut album ‘Lubrication of Social Anxiety’, released in 2011. This CD has been greatly received by many – fans and critics alike – and has become a bit of a must-have amongst fans of the genre.

“[Running With Coffee’ is] about rushing through life, trying to fit everything in and not necessarily looking after yourself enough in the process,” say frontman Steve Lowry. “Feeling run-down yet pushing on, fuelled on caffeine and what can often seem like a constant manic rush which ultimately wears you down. Daily routines, minimal sleep and then finally things you enjoy in the remainder of time.

It’s one of maybe a few songs on this album that I think, behind the main subject, have an underlying theme of being very aware of how quick time flies. It’s also taking the piss out of the very idea that these kind of issues could even be considered as real problems. Bullshit comes in many different flavours, but you have to sing about what’s real to you and what bothers you, or some cases keeps you going.”

Keep your eyes peeled for new singles and an exiting new release from Laughing In The Face Of in the coming months.

Links:

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The Band are:

Steve: Vocals / Guitar
Jon: Guitar / Backing Vocals
Jim: Bass
Andy: Drums / Backing Vocals

 

(record review) The Run Up-In Motion(Real Ghost Records)

Remember The Run Up? We already featured Bristol punks on the pages of our zine. This time they are releasing the new full length record with Real Ghost Records and I listened and reviewed it for our zine.

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The new record contains 12 songs of beautiful melodic punkrock, modern, fresh yet still catchy and memorable. This is not your California styled melodic skatepunk, fast and crunchy, rather more emotional punk with heartfelt lyrics and something for everyone to find themselves in. From the more sped up and energetic Portraits, to midtempo anthemic Grip, The Run Up find themselves in complete control of our ears and emotions as listeners. One of my personal favorites is Your Omission, having a barrage of noise turning into melody and galloping punkrock drum force. Discretion and Sunsets continue in the same direction, but the real gems on this record come towards the end with The Run Up and Light It Up being true little stars in the crown of underground melodic punkrock for the 21st century. Try this one. This band gets only better and better with every release.

9/10

https://www.facebook.com/therunupuk/

https://www.facebook.com/realghostrecords/